Indian Association of Tour Operators is all set to organise its 41st IATO Annual Convention from 10th to 13th September 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh “City of Destiny” and the “Jewel of the East Coast.
The theme of the convention is “India: The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity” informed Mr. Ravi Gosain, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
The Mr. Ravi Gosain also announced that Mr. Sunil Mishra Honorary Secretary will be the Chairman of the Convention along with Mr. Deepak Kumarr Bhatnagar, Honorary Treasurer as the Co-Chairman of the convention. Mr. Vijay Mohan, Co-Chairman- IATO Andhra Pradesh will be the coordinator.
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is the venue hotel and all the activities on all the three days i.e. registration for the convention, inaugural function, business sessions and evening programmes will be held at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach.
Mr. Gosain also apprised that Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu and Shri Kandula Durgesh, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism & Culture, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh have graciously accepted our invitation to grace the inaugural function on 10th September 2026.
We also look forward to the wholehearted support of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for the Convention and will be honoured to have gracious presence of Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism & Culture, Mr. Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary (Tourism), and Mr. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, at the Inaugural Function as well as the Business Sessions of the Convention.
This flagship industry event will be hosted with the full support of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Shri Kandula Durgesh, Minister of Tourism, Culture & Cinematography, Mr. Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary (Tourism & Culture), Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, and Ms. Amrapali Kata, CEO, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, have extended their full cooperation to ensure the grand success of the convention.
Highlighting the scale of the event, Sanjay Razdan, Vice President, IATO, shared that the association is aiming to attract nearly 1000 delegates from across the country. He further added that curated post-convention tours will be organized to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s diverse tourism offerings, enabling stakeholders to promote these experiences in both domestic and international markets. To add to the celebratory fervour, a lively “IATO’s Got Talent – Karaoke Singing Competition” has been planned.
Mr. Sunil Mishra, Hony. Secretary and Chairman of the Convention mentioned that the three-day convention will feature high-powered business sessions, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and domain experts to deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of tourism. Blending business with engagement, the event will also host a series of vibrant activities, including the “IATO Run for Responsible Tourism,” recognition awards across multiple categories, and spectacular evening entertainment programs.
Mr. Deepak Kumarr Bhatnagar, Hony. Treasurer and Co-Chairman Convention added that a major highlight of the convention will be the Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart), scheduled for 11th and 12th September 2026 at the convention venue. This dynamic platform will facilitate meaningful interactions between IATO members, State Tourism Boards, and industry stakeholders, fostering partnerships and driving tourism growth.
With its strategic focus, strong participation, and rich cultural backdrop, the 41st IATO Annual Convention promises to be a landmark event, reinforcing India’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
